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DISASTER RISK REDUCTION/CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION GOOD PRACTICE OPTIONSFOR RAINFED AND UPLAND AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES

IN BICOL REGION, PHILIPPINES1

Luis O. AMANO2, Viola L. AMANO3, Angelo P. CANDELARIA3, andARNULFO M. MASCARIÑAS4

ABSTRACT

A FAO project on disaster risk reduction and climate risk management was implemented in seven pilotsites in the Bicol Region to improve the livelihoods and food security of resource-poor farmers in the rainfed andupland agro-ecological zones.

Potential good practice options (GPOs) for enhanced DRR and published technologies in agriculturerelated to disaster prevention and preparedness were assessed using Livelihood Adaptation to Climate Change(LACC) framework for the specific pilot area. The GPOs recommended by the TWG were presented to thestakeholders for them to decide the GPO they will adopt. In the seven pilot sites, only two main GPOs, namelycoconut leaf pruning and strip intercropping were selected. The use of improved varieties, composting,mulching, and combining crops of different growth durations were incorporated in the implementation of the twomain GP options

A total of 228 farmer-cooperators were involved in the implementation of the GPOs for three croppingseasons. The benefits derived of using the GPs over the farmer’s practice over the three cropping seasons wereanalyzed using the marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR).

In focus group discussions on the impact of climate change, farmers revealed that climate change havewider impacts over the agriculture and other livelihood activities of people residing in the rainfed and uplandareas.

Los Baños Lagkitan, an early maturing composite corn variety had the highest mean MBCR of 2.90across season followed by Golden yellow cassava variety with mean MBCR value of 2.39 in coconut leafpruning.

In strip intercropping, crops planted were grouped based on their growth duration namely long duration(LD), medium duration (MD), and short duration (SD). Although tested for only one season in Gubat, Sorsogon,the combination of LD+MD+SD gave the highest MBCR of 4.93. Across sites and across locations, combinationof LD+SD crops had the highest MBCR value of 3.16.

A number of important lessons were learned from the good practice implementation process.

1Portion of the program entitled “Strengthening the Capacities for Climate Risk Management andDisaster Preparedness in Selected Provinces of the Philippines (Bicol Region) TCP/PHI/3203”funded by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

2Project Leader, Bicol University Research and Development Center. Legazpi City

3Project Staff, Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry, Guinobatan, Albay and BicolUniversity Research and Development Center. Legazpi City

4Program Leader, National Lead Consultant and Director, Bicol University Research andDevelopment Center. Legazpi City

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Box 1

Monthly average frequency of occurrence oftropical cyclones in Bicol Region, Philippines

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Month

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

Ave

rage

freq

uenc

y

The Bicol Region lies within the so-calledtyphoon belt and seriously affected, on theaverage, by 20 typhoons per year. The typhoonmonths mostly affecting the region are July toNovember.

Keywords: Disaster risk reduction, Climate change adaptation, Good practice options1.0 OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT

1.1 Introduction

Bicol Region, as Region V is more popularly known, is located on the southeastern extremityof Luzon, within 122 and 125 East longitude and 12 and 14 North latitude. The peninsular mainlandlooks like a huge flying bird and has a total landmass of about 17,632 km2. Catanduanes andMasbate are the two insular provinces on the east and south while the four peninsular provinces areCamarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon. The Pacific Ocean bounds the region on theeast while Ragay Gulf separates it from the eastern Cordillera and Bondoc Peninsula.

Bicol Region exhibits one of thelowest levels of productivity mainly becauseof its frequent exposure to typhoons andfloods and also because it is often affectedby such weather phenomena as the El Niñoand La Niña (Lobrigo et.al.). Bicol’sgeographic location predispose it to strongtyphoons which usually occur during themonths of July to November. The sixprovinces differ with respect to theirexposure to typhoons (Box 1).

In 2006 in a span of ten weeks from25 September to 1 December, the countrywas hit by three extremely destructivetyphoons. Typhoon Reming, which hit on 30November 2006 was the most destructive,severely affecting all the six provinces of theBicol Region. Typhoon Reming brought 466mm of rainfall, the highest in 40 years. Itdamaged 18,786 hectares planted to rice atvarying stages of growth and the damage toinvestment losses in terms of input costssuch as seeds, fertilizers and labor wasvalued at PhP 153.8 million.

Even when there is no major weather disturbance, Bicol Region tends to have a lot of rain notonly due to typhoons but also due to Northeast monsoon (Amihan) from October to March andSouthwest monsoon (Habagat) from July to September (Figure 1). Recent studies conducted by thePhilippine Atmospheric and Geophysical Sciences Administration (PAGASA) showed that majority ofthe average rainfall in the country is due to the occurrence of tropical cyclones in the vicinity. Thesouthwest and northeast monsoons each contribute seven (7) per cent while the remaining 39% isattributed to the combined effects of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), shearlines,easterly waves and other rainfall-causing weather patterns. The average annual rainfall in the regionranges from 1,900 to 3,500 mm.

The region’s economy is basically agricultural with close to 50% of its workforce dependent onthe industry. Agriculture and agriculture-related economic activities represent the major sources ofincome of families in the Bicol Region. In 2008, agriculture and fishery sector contributed a total of30.97% to the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of the region with more than 50% of theregion’s land being devoted to agriculture (www.nscb.gov.ph/Ru5/secstats/accounts.html).

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Hazards MonthsJ F M A M J J A S O N D

NE moonsoon(Amihan)SW monsoon(Habagat)TransitionTyphoon(Bagyo) 1 1 1 1 1 3-4 3-4 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 1-2

ITCZ ((Malawakangkaulapan)Cold FrontThunderstorm(Kulog at kidlat)

Figure 1. Weather disturbances in the Bicol Region (Source: PAGASA)

In February 2007, the DA presented a request to the FAO UN for technical and financialsupport to undertake an overall needs assessment and design a rehabilitation plan. The assessmentrevealed that the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon, were the most highly affectedand the following municipalities namely; Buhi in Camarines Sur, Guinobatan in Albay, and Gubat inSorsogon were identified as the project areas (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Pilot municipalities of the project

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Box 2

Selection Criteria for Barangay

Criteria Percent

1. Residents and livelihood groupsremain vulnerable for futurerisks 30

2. Varying agro-ecologicalconditions (e.g. rain fed(upland), irrigated (lowland),riverine, etc. 30

3. High level of dependence onagriculture sector 10

4. Willingness of farmers to usetheir fields for demo purposesand attend training 10

5. Existence of a well-establishedfunctioning farmers'organization 10

6. Accessibility to transport andelectricity 10

1.2 Objectives

The general objective of this project is to develop and implement climate risk managementmeasures that will contribute to improve the livelihoods and food security of small-scale farmers indisaster prone areas. The outputs and deliverables of the project are:

1. identification and documentation good practice (GP) options for enhanced DRR andincreased resilience of farmers against hazard impacts during wet and dry seasons inselected rain fed and upland farming systems of Bicol,

2. validation of potential GP options against technical criteria and for location specific suitability,

3. capacitating DA and LGU counterparts and farmer representatives on the implementationrequirements of selected options,

4. guiding and technically advising the implementation and monitoring process of field testing ofselected GP options and

5. analyzing and drawing lessons from testing in view of designing a strategy for disseminationof the good practices identified.

2.0 PROJECT SITES

From the five shortlisted barangays permunicipality, selection of the pilot sites wereconducted by National Consultants together withthe technical staff of the Department of AgricultureRegional Field Unit 5 using the following criteria(Box 2).

Based on the criteria, three barangayswere chosen from the shortlisted barangays of thethree municipalities from the three highly affectedprovinces by Typhoon Reming

Field visitations of the pilot areas wereconducted to collect primary and secondary dataon the profile of the barangay, past experienceson the damages caused by natural hazards, andlocal perception on the risk from natural hazards.

2.1 Buhi, Camarines Sur

San Ramon. Barangay San Ramon, whichis known as Sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis)Sanctuary of Buhi, is located eight (8) kilometersfrom the town proper of Buhi. As of 2009, it has atotal population of 1,363 with 714 males and 649females. There are 279 households with a mean family size of 4.88. Its population density is 3individuals per hectare and 75% belongs to a group of indigenous people or the Katutubo (Itom). Thebarangay has three (3) lakelets namely: Manapao, Katugday and Kimat.

5Source: CBSUA DRM Plan

Source: CBSUA DRM Plan


The barangay has a total land area of468 hectares and its terrain is generallymountainous and prone to erosion. Vegetativecover is good with sparsely scattered trees andfruits trees. A large portion (90%) of this area isplanted to coconut trees, with a combination ofunderstorey crops like anahaw, banana, uplandrice, sweet potato and cassava.

Typhoon, flood, and landslide are threatto agricultural production. The types ofagriculture production system being practiced inthe upland agro-ecological zone whichcharacterized as steep to moderately steepsloping lands make it vulnerable to landslideand soil erosion during heavy rainfall.

Igbac. Barangay Igbac is seven (7)kilometers from the town proper of Buhi,Camarines Sur. It has 263 households with a totalpopulation of 1,547 composed of 803 males and744 females. The barangay has a total land areaof 824.5 hectares and 225.2 hectares is classifiedas agricultural area.

The barangay has mountain spring thatsupplies potable water to about 90% of itsresidents and a river as source of irrigation forlowland rice production.

The main source of livelihood in thebarangay is farming. The major agricultural crops

in the upland agro-ecological zone are corn, root crops (sweet potato, cassava and taro), commercialcrops (coconut, abaca, banana, coffee and cacao), and fruit trees (Indian mango, pili, caimito andsantol). Upland agro-ecosystem is characterized by coco-based farming system like: coco + banana+ fruit trees, coco + sweet potato, and coco + vegetable.

Typhoons, landslide, and flashflood due to heavy rain were identified as natural hazards.Typhoons Sisang in 1970 and Reming in 2006 destroyed the coconut plantations and caused theoverflow of Semenlong River that destroyed the rice fields in low lying areas of the barangay

2.2 Guinobatan, Albay

Masarawag. Located at the foot of Mt.Mayon, Barangay Masarawag is six (6) kilometersfrom the town proper of Guinobatan. As of 2009census, Barangay Masarawag has a total of 919households with a population of 3,984 individualswith 2034 males and 1,950 females.

Of the 859 hectares total land area ofMasarawag, 795.96 hectares or 92% is devoted toagriculture. Coconut, fruit trees, and banana arethe predominant crops in the upland. Vegetables

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like tomato, ampalaya, pepper, pechay and cabbage are planted areas not reached by the irrigation.Typhoon, flashflood, volcanic eruption, and lahar flow, are the most experienced hazards in

the locality. Strong winds of the Southwest monsoon (Habagat) is felt from July to September; whileNortheast monsoon (Amihan) occurs during the months of October to March. The steep tomoderately steep sloping lands and the type of agriculture production system increases thevulnerability of the site to flash flood during heavy rainfall.

Mauraro. Barangay Mauraro, located five (5)kilometers from the town proper of Guinobatan. Ithas a total land area of 655 hectares and 562hectares is devoted to agriculture. Soil type issandy loam which is stable and moderately welldrained. Upland areas are predominantly planted tococonut, abaca, fruit trees, banana, corn, andvegetables

The barangay has a total of 919 householdscomposed of 2800 males and 3079 females with amean family size of 6 individuals.

Agriculture contributes significantly to thesocio-economic development of the barangay.

Home-based women, after transplanting the rice crop, are engaged in the production of abacahandicraft, which is bought and assembled in the barangay.

The steep to moderately steep sloping lands and the type of agriculture production systemincreases the vulnerability of the site to natural hazards specifically typhoons and, in someoccasions, flood due during heavy rainfall. Farmers also experienced drought during the dry season.

Cadang-cadang for coconut, bunchy top for abaca, and vegetable pest are threats to theexisting crops in the barangay.

2.3 Gubat, Sorsogon

Ariman. Barangay Ariman is a coastalbarangay located at the northern part of Gubatand is seven (7) kilometers away from the townproper. Sandy clay loam is the common soiltype and its terrain is characterized as flat. Ithas a total land area of 238.72 hectaresdevoted to agricultural production with 133.38hectares upland agro-ecological zone plantedto coconut, banana, root crops, and vegetables

As of 2009, Barangay Ariman has a totalof 317 households with a total population of1,568 (828 males and 740 females). They relyon fishing/farming as major sources of livelihoodyielding an average annual income perhousehold is PhP 2,262.00 (Census, 2005). Farmers, after transplanting rice, are also engaged infishing on a daily basis thereby putting to much pressure on the coastal resource. For the coconutfarmers, they harvest their nuts every 45 days. The women of Ariman are into planting root cropslike cassava, camote, gabi, and other vegetable crops. They also raise backyard animals like pig,carabao, goat and chicken for additional income and domestic consumption.

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Typhoon, flooding (May, August to January) and saline intrusion to the rice areas are themajor natural hazards experienced in Barangay Ariman. Soil erosion and landslide are great threat tosteep to moderately steep sloping areas during heavy rainfall.

Rizal. Known for its white sand beach resorts,Barangay Rizal has a total land area of 584.06hectares which represents the irrigated lowland(53.84 has), rain fed (35.51 has), and upland agro-ecological zones (236.00 has).

Upland agro-ecological zone is predominantlyplanted with coconut with pili (Canarium ovatum),banana, vegetables and, rootcrops as intercrops.Corn and vegetables are planted in the rain fedlowland agro-ecological zones after rice cropping.

Home-based women, after establishing thetransplanted rice (TPR), are engaged in collectionof langao-langao, making shell craft, planting root

crops and vegetables and raise backyard animals like pig and chicken for domestic consumption andto augment their income.

Typhoon, saline intrusion in lowland rice areas near coast, drought (March to May), andflooding (October to December) are threats to agricultural production. Soil erosion and landslide areadditional threats to steep to moderately steep sloping areas during heavy rainfall.

Bagacay. Bagacay is a coastal barangay inGubat, Sorsogon with a total land area of 582.54hectares. Irrigated lowland agro-ecological zoneoccupies about 127.12 hectares and about 324.00hectares is considered as upland agro-ecologicalzone.

Upland agro-ecological zones arecharacterized by coco-based farming systemwhere banana, root crops and vegetables areplanted as intercrops. Pili (Canarium ovatum), anindigenous nut-producing tree is predominantlyfound in the upland agro-ecological zones of thebarangay. Soil type is sandy clay

The barangay has 691 households with a total of 3,309 inhabitants Aside from farming,shellcraft and raising of animals (cattle, carabao, goat, and swine), and a fish processing (kuyog,law-law, and turos) are the existing alternative livelihood options among home-based women.

Typhoon, flood, and saline intrusion which occur in mostly in August are the major hazardsexperienced in Barangay Bagacay. Lean months (food is scarce) occur on Oct-Feb, especially forfishing households. They are the most vulnerable sector in the community owing to the fact thatfishing is a seasonal source of living, They usually contend with the 15 days with fish catch and 15days without earnings.2.4 Cropping cycle

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The prevailing type of climate in the pilot sites is the second type in the modified Coronaclassification. It is characterized by no dry season with a very pronounced maximum rain period fromDecember to February, no single dry month, and minimum monthly rainfall occurs during the periodfrom March to May (Concepcion, 2004).

Cropping calendar of vegetables in the rain fed and upland areas showed that squash, okra,eggplant, sweet potato, cassava, pole sitao, bitter gourd, and mung bean can be planted throughoutthe year (Figure 3). Dry season planting of tomato, pepper, peanut, snap bean and corn can be done in starting November while wet season planting can be carried out starting May. This informationon the cropping calendar served as basis on what vegetables are suitable to grow during the dry andwet seasons.

CropsMonths

Dry Season Wet Season DryJ F M A M J J A S O N D

SquashOkraEggplantSweet potatoCassavaPole sitaoBitter gourdMung beanTomatoPepperPeanutSnap beanUpland riceCorn

Figure 3. Cropping calendar in the Bicol Region (Source: Gabay sa Pagtatanim – Department ofAgriculture Information Division)

3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Preliminary field visit

Field visitations of the pilot areas and focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted tocollect primary and secondary data on the profile of the barangay, past experiences on the damagescaused by natural hazards, and local perception on the risk from natural hazards.

1. Buhi, Camarines Sur

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2. Guinobatan. Albay

3.

Gubat, Sorsogon

3.2. Documentation of good practice options for DRR in agriculture

The project initiated the documentation of a wide range of good practice options to reduce therisk of hydro-meteorological hazards in the rain fed and upland agro-ecological zones. The GPoptions were pre-evaluated using the Livelihood Adaptation to Climate Change (LACC) frameworkwith some modification in the percentages of the criteria in consultation with the national consultants(Table 1).

Table 1. Criteria used in the evaluation of good practice options

Criteria for the selected GP option Per cent

A. Agro-ecological suitability for the selected GP option 401.2.3.4.

Suitable under existing and near future climatic statusEdaphic and topographic conditions and/or same agro-ecological zonesFarmers’ perceptionAgro-ecological zone location

B. Economically and socially feasible 351.2.3.4.5.6.

Cost of inputsYield potential+/-Net benefitsCapacity building requirements+ / - Employment opportunities for the landlessMarket potential

C. Increases resilience against impacts of climate hazards 201.2.3.

Ease/cost of rehabilitationRecovery potential+/- water use

D. Technology does not increase GHG emissions 51.2.

+/- chemical fertilizer use (+/- energy use

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Pre-evaluation of the agro-ecological suitability for the selected GP option includes suitabilityunder existing and near future climatic status, edaphic and topographic conditions and/orsame agro-ecological zones, farmers’ perception, and agro-ecological zone location.

Economic and social feasibility of the GP option means that it produces net benefits forfarmers, does not enhance overall work load, and can be applied also by those with limited assetsand contributes to their livelihood improvement. Indicators along this criterion includes cost of inputs,yield potential, net benefits, capacity building requirements, employment opportunities for thelandless, and market potential. Ease/cost of rehabilitation, recovery potential, and water use of theGP option during dry season/dry spells were the indicators used for increase resilience againstimpacts of climate hazards. Contribution of the GP option to GHG emissions was evaluated basedon proxy indicators including use of chemical fertilizer and energy requirements as compared tocontrol plot.

The documented GP options were presented to the Technical Working Group (TWG) tovalidate and extract from the list, the most suitable GP options for the wet and dry season planting.The TWG is composed of the following:

a. Department of Agriculture Regional FieldUnit 5

b. DA technical experts representing thecrops and livestock and poultry sector

c. Bureau of Fisheries and AquaticResources

d. Agricultural Training Institutee. SPCMADf. Office of the Provincial

Agriculturist/Provincial AgriculturalServices

g. Office of the MunicipalAgriculturist/Municipal AgriculturalServices

h. Bicol Universityi. Central Bicol State University of

Agriculturej. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and

Seismologyk. Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and

Astronomical Services Administrationl. DA-RAFID

The GP options recommended by the TWG (Table 2) were presented and discussed withbarangay stakeholders for them to decide which GP options they will adopt. Listing of prospectivefarmers was done in each barangay.

Table 2. Recommended GPOs for wet and dry season planting by TWG

Wet Season Dry Season

1.2.

3.4.5.6.

Coconut leaf pruningDiversified cropping (Stripintercropping)Waterlogged resistant varietiesAlley croppingVetiver grass technologySloping Agricultural Land Technology(SALT-1)

1.2.

3.4.5.6.7.

8.9.

10.

Coconut leaf pruningDiversified cropping (StripintercroppingSmall farm reservoirMulchingTillage practicesDrought tolerant cropsWide row spacing for rainfallmultiplicationCompostingArtificial insemination“Supak” method of feeding for cattleduring long dry periods

Exposure to a high degree of climate risk is a characteristic feature of rained and uplandagriculture in the in the Bicol Region. Weather is certainly the most important factor determining the

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Issued at: 12 April 2011Valid Beginning: April-May-June 2011

Weather Outlook

Weak La Nina occurrence in the Bicol Region starting April to neutral condition in June 2011.

Weather Forecast

April 2011 Buhi, Guinobatan will experience above normal rainfall Gubat will experience near normal rainfall conditions

May 2011 Buhi, Guinobatan and Gubat will experience near normal rainfall conditions.

June 2011 Buhi, Guinobatan and Gubat will experience near normal rainfall conditions.

success or the failure of agricultural enterprises. Occurrences of erratic weather are beyond humancontrol. However, it is possible to adapt to or mitigate the effects of adverse weather if a forecast ofthe expected weather can be had in time.

During the presentation of the GP options to the farmer-cooperators, the three-monthseasonal weather forecast issued by PAGASA (Figure 4) was presented. This served as the basis indetermining the crops or crop combinations to be planted in the GP options

Figure 4. Three-month seasonal weather forecast

3.3 Selection of farmer-cooperators

Site validation of prospective farmer-cooperator was conducted to ascertain the suitability ofthe GP options they have selected. Aside from the must criterion which is “access to land of at least1000 m2 for the adaptation of option/technology to be tested”, the following criteria were adopted inthe selection of farmer co-operators (Table 3).

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Table 3. Criteria used in the selection of farmer-cooperators

Criteria Per cent

1. Suitability of the available area to the option 252. Have interest and can devote time in the project activities 203. Active member of a farmers’ organization 154. Has a potential to become a farmer-leader and/or trainer 155. Willing to provide counterpart such as labor for land preparation, day-to-day

maintenance of the techno-demo farm 156. Have not received any or have received minimal livelihood assistance 57. A farmer cultivating one (1) hectare or less 5

3.4 Training on the implementation of GP options for CCA/DRR in the rainfed and uplandagro-ecological zones

The training is part of the project’s design to strengthen the capability of the farmercooperators in implementing the good practice options to reduce the risk of hydro-meteorologicalhazards in rain fed and upland agro-ecological zones of three pilot municipalities.

At the start of every cropping season, a training was conducted for the farmer-cooperators tounderstand a) the objectives of the project, b) their roles and responsibilities as project stakeholders,and c) to strictly adhere to implementation guidelines of their selected GP option. Since the choice ofthe GP option is given to farmer-cooperators and guided by the principle that “build on what alreadyexists” only two (2) main GP options namely, coconut leaf pruning strip intercropping and wereimplemented in the pilot sites the three cropping periods. The use of improved varieties, composting,mulching, and combining crops of different growth durations were incorporated by some farmers inthe implementation of the two main GP options. Other GP options such as small farm reservoir,alley cropping, sloping land agriculture technology (SALT-1), and Vetiver grass technology wheretheir impact will take some time to be felt, were not chosen because of the short duration of theproject. Table 4 shows the number of farmers trained and their corresponding GP options.

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Table 4. Number of farmers-cooperators who implemented the GP options

Cropping Season Municipality GP Options No. of Farmers

A. Wet Season 2010

Guinobatan Strip intercropping 8Coconut leaf pruning 12

Buhi Strip intercropping 15Coconut leaf pruning 5

Gubat Strip intercropping 15Coconut leaf pruning 15

B. Dry Season 2011




C. Wet Season 2011




Total 228

3.5 Implementation of GP options

For each option, the existing farmers’ practice was used as control plot and the good practiceoption introduced as the manipulated variable. In the demonstration plots for the GPOs, seeds andfertilizer were provided to the farmer-co-operators. Both plots, measuring 1000 m2 were monitored,and data and information were collected accordingly. A Farm Activity Record specifying the culturalpractices to be undertaken for each GPO was designed and discussed with the farmer-cooperatorsto facilitate the implementation and recording of the farm activities conducted (Appendix A).

3.6 Data gathered

Before the implementation of the GP options, soil samples were obtained from in the sevenpilot barangays. These sample composites were made up of ten soil core subsamples that werecollected from 0-20 cm soil depth using a core sampler in sampled farmer’s field. The soil sampleswere immediately air-dried, pulverized using a wooden mallet and brought to the Regional SoilsLaboratory of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 5 for chemical analysis. Results ofthe soil analysis which is presented in Appendix B was used as the basis of the fertilizerrecommendation.

The three-month seasonal weather forecast, total monthly rainfall before and during theimplementation of the GP options were taken from Southern Luzon PAGASA Regional ServicesDivision, Airport Site, Legazpi City.

The crop cut method was used in the collection of yield data from the farmer’s practice and theGP option plots yield was expressed in tons per hectare. The farm inputs used and activities done bythe farmer-cooperators were taken from Farm Activity Record and were given corresponding cost.

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3.7 Evaluation of GP options

The agro-ecological suitability of the GP options was evaluated in terms its ability to produceeconomic yield produced under existing agro-climatic, edaphic, and topographic conditionscompared to the farmer’s practice

The economic feasibility associated with the implementation of the GP options weredetermined. The values used depended on the market prices at the cropping season. The benefits oftechnology included the value of the yields. Labor requirements for land preparation, fertilizerapplication, planting, weeding, harvesting and postharvest operations were obtained from the farmactivity record.

Partial budget analysis using the marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) was used to determinewhether the benefits of the adaptation measure outweigh the costs, whether net benefits aremaximized, and how the good practice option (GPO) compares to farmer’s practice (FP). The netbenefit values were calculated on per hectare basis and evaluation was done for the three croppingseasons. The following formula was used:

4.0 RESULTS

4.1 Agro-ecological suitability of good practice options

4.1.1 Suitability of the GP options in the context of perceived climate change

During the conduct of the study, consultation meetings, and focus group discussions wereheld with local communities and farmers on the impact of climate change. From their perspective,climate change has wider impacts over the agriculture and other livelihood activities of peopleresiding in the upland and rain fed areas (Table 5).

Table 5. Farmers’ perspectives on the impacts of current climate extremes and variability in the pilotsites

Agro-meteorologicalhazards Impacts of climate variability

1. Rainy season Increase agricultural production because of favorable to the growthof crops due to abundant supply of water

However, too much moisture available during this season resultsto high incidence of fungal infestation.

In San Ramon, Camarines Sur, heavy rains causes the overflow ofthe Barit Rivers which results to destruction of crops

Occurrence of soil erosion and decrease in soil fertility due toheavy rains were observed by farmers in Masarawag Guinobatan,Albay and Igbac, Buhi, Camarines Sur.

The degree of vulnerability of upland farms in other sites to rainyseason is not very profound.

a. Early onset of rainy Most of the farmers stated that early onset of rainy season results

FPGPO

FPGPO

CostoductionCostoductionSalesSales

CostAdditionalBenefitAdditionalMBCR

Pr-Pr-

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season to early cultivation of upland and there is relatively high agriculturalproduction during such time resulting to higher income fromfarming.

b. Late onset of rainyseason

Since farming activity is dependent on rainfall, farmers have toresort to other sources of livelihood to feed their families due tolate onset of rainy season.

Farmers experience low farm production when rain comes late andfarm produce becomes insufficient to meet family needs.

2. La Niña Farmers observed that flooding and excessive soil erosion occurduring La Niña

Soils in the upland lose its fertility and crops are damaged asconsequence.

3. El Niño Farmers mentioned that growth of the plants was inhibited duringEl Niño episodes due to unavailability of moisture. This conditionresults to low or non-productivity of the crops and loss of farmerincome.

Farmers also noted that extreme dryness increases the possibilityof the occurrence of fire in the area resulting to burning and/ordamaging of the upland farms.

4. Dry season Farmers noted that high temperature during dry or summer seasoncauses damage to crops.

5. Typhoons Typhoons are becoming stronger and brings more rains.

The results of field testing and farmers perceptions thereafter confirmed that the GP optionsselected for field testing were suitable to enhance resilience within the context of increasing climatevariability and uncertainty.

4.1.2 Suitability of the GP options in the context soil analysis

In determining the critical levels of nutrients for vegetables based on the results of soilanalysis, the criteria presented in Table 6 was used for soil pH and important soil nutrients such asN, P and K (AVRDC, 1990).

Table 6. Critical levels of nutrients for vegetables

Soil Parameters Low Moderate High

Soil pH 5.5-6.0 6.0 -7.5 >7.5Organic carbon (%)Organic matter (%)

<2.0<3.45

2.1-4.93.62 – 8.45

>5.0>8.62

Bray No. 2 P (ppm) <10 10-20 21-30Exchangeable K

(ppm)(meq/100 g soil)

40-800.102 - 0.205

81-1200.207 - 0.307

121-1600.310 - 0.410

Table 7 presents the average values of nutrients determined in the sample farms for each site.These values were used as basis in the fertilizer recommendation for the crops planted. Except for

Table 7. Results of soil analysis from the different pilot sites

Municipality Barangay Parameters pH N(%OM)

P(ppm)

K Ca Mg Nameq/100 g soil

Buhi, CamarinesSur

IgbacNo. of samplesRangeMeanDescription

35.24 - 5.53

5.34Low

32.59 – 3.90

3.42Low

32.14 – 8.06

4.25Low

30.26 – 0.86

0.64High

34.74 – 7.51

6.26

31.48 – 1.96

1.76

30.16 – 0.19

0.17

San Ramon

No. of samplesRangeMeanDescription

65.49 - 5.51

5.73Low

64.48 – 6.76

5.58Moderate

62.00 – 4.30

2.93Low

60.25 – 0.79

0.51High

67.09 – 13.31

11.04

61.34 – 2.35

1.98

60.14 – 0.19

0.16

Guinobatan,Albay

Masarawag


45.57 – 6.23

5.89Low

43.52 – 4.24

3.91Moderate

40.56 – 13.44

4.36Low

40.05 – 0.36

0.18Low

42.14 – 3.10

2.60

40.23 – 0.62

0.40

40.05 – 0.19

0.12

Mauraro


75.19 – 5.80

5.54Low

72.70 – 5.08

3.60Moderate

76.72 – 38.56

17.32Moderate

70.26 – 1.29

0.62High

76.74 – 20.66

1.24

71.72 – 3.49

2.61

70.15 – 0.28

0.22

Gubat,Sorsogon

Ariman


44.95 – 6.10

5.38Low

41.54 – 5.17

3.03Low

40.66 – 32.84

9.65Low

40.03 – 1.14

0.44High

42.61 – 17.95

7.54

40.42 – 3.21

1.88

40.13 – 0.32

0.22

Bagacay


45.35 – 6.57

6.01Moderate

41.02 – 4.83

2.80Low

41.60 – 14.12

8.03Low

40.08 – 0.21

0.16Low

45.15 – 26.56

13.82

41.18 – 7.42

4.56

40.11 – 0.18

0.14

Rizal


74.40 – 5.57

5.03Low

71.79 – 4.13

3.00Low

70.80 – 10.08

3.53Low

70.04 – 0.75

0.32High

71.28 – 5.16

3.48

70.35 – 2.58

1.32

70.09 – 0.27

0.16

Bagacay in Gubat, Sorsogon which have a moderate soil pH, all pilot sites had a low pH. Forpercent organic matter, only three sites namely, San Ramon in Buhi, Camarines Sur, Mauraro andMasarawag in Guinobatan Albay indicated moderate values, while the four sites havelow values. For available P measured using Bray P No. 2, only Mauraro in Guinobatan, Albay hasmoderate value and the rest of the sites have moderate values. Only Masarawag in Guinobatan,Albay and Bagacay in Gubat, Sorsogon have low values for exchangeable K while the five sites havehigh values.

The results of soil analysis revealed that only Mauraro in Guinobatan, Albay appears to haveadequate levels of the NPK while Bagacay in Gubat, Sorsogon is deficient in these importantnutrients. San Ramon, in Buhi, Camarines Sur is deficient in phosphorus and the other four siteswere deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus.

The data suggest that farmer-cooperators are undersupplying some nutrients andoversupplying others leading to nutrient imbalances in the soils which results to low yield. During thefocus group discussion conducted in each pilot site, farmers identified lack of capital and highfertilizer prices as a key constraint to production and the low fertility status of the soil.

The results of the soil sampling undertaken as part of the GP option implementation confirmedthe suitability of selected GP options under existing soil characteristics. However it also highlightedthe generic need for more systematic soil analyses, advice and support to farmers in order to reducefertilization imbalances and ensure optimum crop growth conditions. This is a basic precondition forsuccessful adaptation.

The result of the soil analysis further showed that it is not an issue of lack of capital asidentified by the farmers but an issue of more effective allocation of limited capital (fertilizer)resources. It is recommended for DA RFU 5 will address this issue up more systematically.

The three-month seasonal forecast of PAGASA was used in the formulation of the FarmWeather Bulletin by the Department of Agriculture RFU V in designing the fertilizer managementstrategy to improve fertilizer efficiency. During the excessive rainfall the fertilizer applied has a highpossibility of being diluted in water and become unavailable to sustain the nutrients required for cropgrowth. Under this condition and based on the recommended fertilizer rate for their GP options,farmers were advised either performed early fertilizer application, split fertilizer application, anddeeper fertilizer placement to anticipate nutrient losses.

4.1.3 GP Options’ suitability in the context of 2010/11 features of monthly rainfall

The onset of rainy season in the three municipalities based on the 21-year records ofPAGASA usually falls between May and June which is normal for the kind of climate in Bicol Region.While lower amount of rainfall was observed in Gubat, Sorsogon from July to September comparedto the other two municipalities, increasing amount was observed from October to December (Figure5).

Rainfall is one of the most important climatic variables in the rain fed and upland agro-ecologicalzones because of its two sided effects - as a deficient resource, such as droughts and as acatastrophic agent, such as heavy rains that can caused floods. It affects different crops differently.Therefore, changes in outputs and economic returns from different crops differ significantly which inturn also affects the corresponding crop growers differently. Farmers will be expecting losses,primarily, due to reductions in agricultural productivity, crop yields and loss of farm productivity.

18

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Month

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Rai

nfal

l (m

m)

Buhi Guinobatan Gubat

Figure 5. Twenty-one year average of monthly rainfall

The total normal and actual rainfall in the three project sites for the three cropping seasons ispresented in Table 8. All the three cropping seasons experienced high rainfall leading to wetconditions during crop growing periods. In comparison to the long-term average, the amount ofrainfall during growing seasons were not only high but also erratic.

In Gubat, Sorsogon, a 32.3, 144.6, and 38.3% increase over the total normal rainfall wereobserved during 2010 wet season, 2011 dry season, and 2011 wet season, respectively. Similarly,an increase of 48.4, 137.7, and 97.3% over the total normal rainfall were observed during 2010 wetseason, 2011 dry season, and 2011 wet season, respectively in Guinobatan, Albay. Total rainfallobserved in Buhi, Camarines Sur exceeded the total normal rainfall by 60.0, 169.0, and 59.7%during the 2010 wet season, 2011 dry season, and 2011 wet season, respectively.

Except for the 2010 wet season cropping season in which implementation of the GP optionwas done in mid-October instead of July due to the delay in the procurement of inputs, the 2011 dryseason and 2011 wet season were implemented on time in the three municipalities. The 2010 wetseason cropping period (October 2010 to February 2011) saw the eastern seaboard saturated byrainfall starting December, with floods and landslides reported in the Bicol Region which damagedmajority of demonstration plots in the three pilot municipalities. Philippine Atmospheric Geophysicaland Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the weather bureau, explained that the rainexperienced in Bicol Region is not caused by a storm but rather due to the weather disturbancesemerging from a cold front. This is likewise, an effect of the La Niña phenomenon, which was initiallyreported to strike in the months of December until January.

The issuance of three-month seasonal forecast for 2010 and 2011 by PAGASA, theformulation of the Farm Weather Bulletin by the Department of Agriculture RFU V, and the action ofthe Agricultural Technicians of the LGUs in communicating the information to the farmers are keyelements that determines the success of the implementation of GP options. In the context ofimproving food security under changing climatic conditions, strong collaboration of these threeagencies is recommended.

19

Table 8. Total normal and actual rainfall (mm) in the three project sites for three cropping seasons (Source: PAGASA)

A. Buhi, Camarines Sur Wet Season 2010 Dry Season 2011 Wet Season 2011

Oct'10 Nov'10 Dec'10 Jan'11 Feb'11Months

0

200

400

600

800

1000

Rain

fall

(mm

)

Normal Actual

Apr'11 May'11 Jun'11 Jul'11 Aug'11Months

0

200

400

600

800

1000

Rain

fall

(mm

)

Normal Actual

Jul'11 Aug'11 Sep'11 Oct'11 Nov'11Months

0

200

400

600

800

1000

Rain

fall

(mm

)

Normal Actual

Total normal rainfall (mm) 859.1 826.8 1276.3Total actual rainfall (mm) 1136.5 2022.8 1765.4Increase over normal (%) 32.3 144.6 38.3

B. Guinobatan, Albay


0

200

400

600

800

1000

Rain

fall

(mm

)

Normal Actual


0

200

400

600

800

1000

Rain

fall

(mm

)

Normal Actual


0

200

400

600

800

1000

Rain

fall

(mm

)

Normal Actual


Gubat, Sorsogon


0200400600800

100012001400

Rain

fall

(mm

)

Normal Actual


0200400600800

100012001400

Rain

fall

(mm

)Normal Actual


0200400600800

100012001400

Rain

fall

(mm

)

Normal Actual


20

4.2 Economic and social feasibility of selected GP options

4.2.1 Economic performance of GP options

4.2.1.1 Coconut leaf pruning

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a traditional plantation crop grown in the Bicol Region. Coconutbeing a widely spaced crop, its unique rooting pattern and canopy coverage offers scope forintegrating various crops in the interspaces. In a coconut holding with palms spaced at 8.0 m, nearly75% of the land area is left unutilized and as much as 40-60% of the sun light is transmitted throughthe canopy during the peak hours especially in palms aged around 25 years.

In the Bicol Region, vegetable intercropping under coconut palms is one of the popularintercropping practices in rural areas for many good reasons. This intercropping practice requiresshort period of planting time, smaller area (vacant spaces between coconut trees), providesadditional income to coconut farmers and nutritious food for the farm communities. Vegetableintercropping such as tomato, eggplant, sweet pepper, squash, okra, ginger etc. is highlyrecommended under coconuts aged one to six years old or 26-60 years old. Rootcrops like sweetpotato and cassava can also be successfully grown as an intercrop.

Coconut being grown predominantly in small and marginal holdings in the pilot sites, the GPoption implemented was coconut leaf pruning. This technology involves the removal or pruning ofcoconut leaves from leaf Rank 19, (i.e. supporting the tender “buko” nuts down to the oldest leaf atharvest time using a harvesting pole and scythe to allow adequate sunlight for the normaldevelopment and high yield of perennial and annual crops.

Improved varieties of six crops namely; sweet potato (SP 23 and SP 30), cassava (Goldenyellow), squash (Rizalina), corn (Los Baños Lagkitan), peanut (Biyaya), and eggplant (Dumaguetelong purple) were tested under coconut leaf pruning technology. These were based on the cropsbeing planted by the farmer-cooperators except that improved varieties were used instead of theirlocal varieties so as not to complicate the implementation of the GP option. In addition to theimproved varieties, fertilizer was also supplied based on soil analysis.

Table 9 shows the marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) of using improved crop varieties plantedunder coconut leaf pruning technology for three seasons in three pilot municipalities. The MBCRsignifies the increased revenue to the farmer per additional peso to plant the improved varieties.Across seasons and across sites, shifting from the traditional/local varieties to improved varieties ofsweet potato, cassava, and corn resulted in higher MBCR.

Los Baños Lagkitan, an early maturing composite corn variety which can be harvested within70 to 75 days after planting had the highest mean MBCR of 2.90across season followed by Golden yellow cassava variety with mean MBCR value of 2.39. The twosweet potato varieties, namely SP 30 and SP 23 gave MBCR values of 2.19 and 2.07, respectively.

Glutinous Composite #2 or ‘Lagkitan’ is a white glutinous open-pollinated corn variety, grownprimarily for table use, native delicacies and ‘kornik’. It has small to medium to big soft kernels withexcellent eating quality. It has an average marketable ear yield of 40 tons/ha that can be harvestedin 72 days. Data showed that this corn variety can be grown in any soil type during wet and dryseasons.

Sweet potato and cassava are commodities which are tolerant to adverse climatic impacts.Planting sweet potato and cassava has several advantages within the context of cropping systems,namely, (a) it gives reliable yields in sub-optimal growth conditions, (b) it requires lower labor inputs

21

Table 9. Marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) of using improved crop varieties planted under coconut leaf pruning technology from three croppingseasons in three municipalities

GP Options Wet Season 2010 Dry Season 2011 Wet Season 2011 MeanMBCRNo. of farmers Average MBCR No. of farmers Average MBCR No. of farmers Average MBCR

A. Sweet potatoSP 23 (Buhi, Camarines Sur) 1 2.07 3 2.18 2 2.09 2.13SP 23 (Gubat, Sorsogon) 2 1.87 5 2.08 2.02

Mean 3 1.94 8 2.12 2 2.09 2.07SP 30 (Buhi, Camarines Sur) 2 2.27 2 2.12 2.19SP 30 (Gubat, Sorsogon) 1 2.02 5 2.23 2.19

Mean 1 2.02 7 2.24 2 2.12 2.19B. Cassava (Golden yellow)

Buhi, Camarines Sur 1 2.19 2 2.93 4 2.36 2.50Gubat, Sorsogon 2 1.92 7 2.42 2.31

Mean 3 2.01 9 2.53 4 2.36 2.39C. Squash (Rizalina)

Buhi, Camarines Sur 2 2.78 2.78Mean 2 2.78 2.78

D. Corn (IPB Lagkitan)Guinobatan, Albay 2 2.81 1 3.60 3.21Gubat, Sorsogon 1 2.36 2.36

Mean 2 2.81 2 2.98 2.90E. Peanut (Biyaya)

Gubat, Sorsogon 2 2.14 2.14Mean 2 2.14 2.14

F. Eggplant (Dumaguete LP)Guinobatan, Albay 2 2.48 2.48

Mean 2 2.48 2.48

22

(appropriate for vulnerable households) than other staples, and (c) it serves as an alternative foodsource for urban populations, facing increasing prices of cereals.

Recently, the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) and thePhilippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development(PCARRD) is implementing a program called “Enhancing Research Utilization for Sweet potatoLivelihood Development in Disaster-Prone Communities”. This sweet potato production andlivelihood program is being undertaken in Albay to enhance its potential as a cash crop in thesecalamity-prone provinces where many sweet potato farms are located.

Although some crops were tested for only one season, improved varieties also showed higherMBCR values over the traditional/local varieties. These MBCR values were even higher than the 2.0considered by PCARRD as the minimum required before recommending a new technology

Coconut leaf pruning (CLP) which involves the removal or pruning of coconut leaves allowsadequate sunlight for the normal development and high yield of perennial and annual crops. Withthe Type 2 climate prevailing in the pilot sites, planting of corn and root crops do not compete for soilresources like water and soil nutrients They are shallow rooted plants, requiring smaller area (vacantspaces between coconut trees) and short period of cropping time.

4.2.1.2 Strip intercropping

Strip intercropping is the practice of producing two or more crops in narrow strips locatedthroughout the length of the field. The strips are wide enough that each can be managedindependently, yet narrow enough that each crop can influence the microclimate and yield potentialof adjacent crops.

Since the implementation of the GP option involves several crop combination, crops plantedwere grouped based on their growth duration namely long duration (LD), medium duration (MD), andshort duration (SD). Aside from the different crop combinations, improved varieties were used.

Data showed that strip intercropping of varying growth durations gave higher MBCR valuescompared to crop combination of same growth durations (Table 10). Across sites and acrosslocations, combination of long duration (LD) and short duration (SD) crops gave had higher MBCRvalue of 3.16 than LD+MD (3.04), MD+SD (2.85), and SD+SD (2.04). Lowest MBCR value of 1.37was obtained from LD+LD combination.

Although tested only once during the 2011 wet season cropping in Gubat, Sorsogon,combining strips of LD+MD+SD in the same plot produced the highest MBCR of 4.98.

Strip intercropping, is recognized as an adaptation or risk management response to changesin climate. It involves the on-farm alteration of crop mixes, and perhaps the introduction, addition orsubstitution of new crop varieties. A mix of crop types with different climate-related characteristics isexpected to reduce the risk of income loss as a result of climate change better than a reliance on asingle crop with particular characteristics and susceptibilities, especially when climate change risksinclude those associated with inter-annual variability and changes in the frequency and magnitude ofdroughts or heavy rains.

The growth duration of a crops in an intercropping system plays a useful role in achieving yieldadvantage. Higher yield advantage can be expected when the maturity period of the componentcrops are different. With a diversified plot, the farmer increases his chances of dealing with theuncertainty and/or the changes created by climate change.

The agro-ecological suitability in terms of topography and climatic conditions of coconut leafpruning and strip intercropping using improved varieties was demonstrated by the acceptable yield

23

Table 10. Marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) of different strip intercropping combinations based on crop growth duration from three croppingseasons in three municipalities

GP OptionsWet Season 2010 Dry Season 2011 Wet Season 2011 Mean

MBCRNo. offarmers

AverageMBCR

No. offarmers

AverageMBCR

No. offarmers

AverageMBCR

A. LD + MD + SD1. Gubat, Sorsogon

Eggplant + okra + greencorn 18 4.91 4.91Eggplant + okra + polesitao 3 5.02 5.02

Mean 21 4.93 4.93B. LD + LD

1. Buhi, Camarines SurUpland rice + sweet potato 4 1.36 1.36Squash + eggplant 1 2.16 2.16

2. Guinobatan, AlbaySquash + tomato 2 1.12 2 1.96 1.54Squash + pepper 2 1.15 1.15Tomato + pepper 2 1.03 1.03Squash + eggplant 2 1.23 1.23

Mean 4 1.36 6 1.13 5 1.68 1.37C. LD + MD

1. Buhi, Camarines SurEggplant + okra 3 2.96 2.96

2. Guinobatan, AlbaySquash + peanut 2 3.16 3.16

Mean 3 2.96 2 3.16 3.04

Legend:

LD Long durationMD Medium durationSD Short duration

24

Continuation Table 10

D. LD + SD1. Buhi, Camarines Sur

Squash + snap bean 2 3.42 3.42Squash + pole sitao 2 2.35 1 1.96 2.10Eggplant + snap bean 1 4.80 2 4.95 1 2.86 4.39Eggplant + pole sitao 1 2.97 2 2.50 2 2.01 2.39

2. Guinobatan, AlbaySquash + pole sitao 7 3.04 3.04Eggplant + snap bean 2 3.31 2 3.67 3.49Eggplant + pole sitao 2 3.32 3.32Tomato + snap bean 3 2.83 2.83Eggplant + green corn 6 3.51 3.51Squash + sweet corn 4 2.52 2.52Pepper + sweet corn 4 1.86 1.86

3. Gubat, SorsogonEggplant + snap bean 3 4.12 4.12Eggplant + pole sitao 6 3.78 3.78

Mean 2 3.89 26 3.23 25 3.02 3.16E. MD + SD

1. Gubat, SorsogonPeanut + green corn 10 2.85 2.85

Mean 10 2.85 2.85F. SD + SD

1. Guinobatan, AlbaySweet corn + snap bean 4 2.85 2.85Green corn + pole sitao 3 1.12 1.12Green corn + snap bean 2 1.26 1.26

2. Gubat, SorsogonGreen corn + pole sitao 2 3.66 5 1.63 2.21

Mean 2 3.66 10 1.40 4 2.85 2.04

. .

25

obtained despite the abnormal climatic conditions (above normal rainfall) that occurred during thethree copping seasons. Furthermore, both GP options contributed to the reduction of the impact ofclimate-related risk on their source of livelihood, thus improving their resilience.

Growing of annual crops under coconut and intercropping has been long practiced by uplandfarmers more food and agricultural products. In the framework of “build on what is already existing”,the introduction of leaf pruning and improved varieties in coco-based farming system and combiningimproved varieties of vegetables of different growth duration brought the desired benefits to farmers.The high MBCR (more benefits from additional costs) obtained, proved their economic feasibilitythese two GP options. With minimal cost that will be incurred for leaf pruning and improved varieties,it is socially feasible for famers will limited assets to adopt these GP options to improve their familyincome.

4.2.2 Women’s role in the implementation of GP Options

In the implementation of the GP options, gender is one of the important socio-economicvariables in climate change adaptation. In the pilot sites, majority of the farming householdscultivating in the rain fed and upland agro-ecological zones grow crops mainly for homeconsumption. Table 11 shows the number of men and women cooperators who implemented the GPoptions for three cropping seasons.

Table 11. Gender participation in the implementation of the GP options

Cropping Season Municipality GP Options Number of CooperatorsMale Female Total

A. Wet Season 2010

Guinobatan Strip intercropping 3 5 8Coconut leaf pruning 8 4 12

Buhi Strip intercropping 9 6 15Coconut leaf pruning 5 0 5

Gubat Strip intercropping 14 1 15Coconut leaf pruning 13 2 15

Sub-total 52 18 70

B. Dry Season 2011




Sub-total 50 28 78

C. Wet Season 2011




Sub-total 50 30 80

Total 152 76 228

Women represented one-third (76) of the farm co-operators during the three cropping periods.Furthermore, there was an increasing number of them participating in the implementation of the GPoptions: 18 during the 2010 Wet Season, 28 during the 2011 Dry Season, and 30 during the 2011

26

Wet Season. Greater participation of women were observed in strip intercropping than in coconutleaf pruning.

In general, arduous farm activities like land preparation, plowing, hilling-up, off-barring, haulingof harvest are exclusively done by men. However, the project observed that women contributedsignificantly in reducing the cost of production by helping prepare the planting materials, planting,fertilizer application, harvesting, and marketing

This shows that women nowadays are not just are seen as ‘farmer’s wives’ but as true farmersand capable of doing farm activities. The situation shows that climate change has increased womenparticipation in farm activities while men are pushed into non-farm activity. Feminization in agriculturewas greatly observed in Guinobatan, Albay. Once the field has been planted, care of the plants isgiven to the wives while the husbands shifted to non-farm activities like habal-habal (door-to-doormotorcycle transport), construction, and other paid labor to earn extra income for the family.

4.3 Impacts of GPOs on resilience against climate hazards and carbon footprint

In principle, the GP options implemented were suitable to enhance hazard-specific resilienceof farming systems. Based on the ex ante analysis, coconut leaf pruning and strip intercropping canstrengthen the livelihood resilience of farmers during period of drought and heavy rainfall.

Gomez and Prado (2007) reported that coconut roots usually grow to a depth of close to 0.80m with 60-90% found in the top 0.5 m of the soil. In 10-year coconut grown under rainfed conditions,the effective root zone of absorption was at 1.4 m from the trunk. Generally, coconut and root cropsdo not compete for soil resources, except in dry season. In areas with distinct dry period of 3-6months with a monthly rainfall of < 100 mm, leaf pruning or removal of the older leaves of coconutreduce the effective transpiration surface area resulting in conservation of soil moisture. Thiscondition allows the planting of sweet potato and cassava which requires short period of croppingtime.

Although Johnston et al. (1994) reported that the coconut canopy may be of less importancein determining wind damage than the trunk height and the bole diameter, removal of the older leavescould minimized the effect of typhoons on coconuts.

Strip intercropping is a technology that usually involves the planting of two or more crops thatcompete for available resources in a given land unit. During dry season, where there is limited supplyof readily available soil moisture, the competitive success of any crop is governed by number ofplants drawing on the available resources and by the relative rates at which they take up thenutrients.

In rainfed and upland agro-ecological zones where water availability is a primary factorcontrolling plant growth and productivity processes, the strategy lies in selecting crops constitutingthe intercrop combination with the ability to sustain soil moisture stress. In the implementation of theGP option, crop combination was based on their growth duration.

However the specific weather conditions during the three seasons testing period 2010/2011with significantly above average rainfall did not allow to draw field based evidence against on thisassessment criterion. There is a need to continue monitoring against this criterion after projecttermination by DA RFU 5, and/or in the envisaged follow-up project. A situation of high seasonalclimate variability and uncertainty of weather conditions (as forecasted as being “likely” under CCconditions) led to non-typical seasonal weather conditions, particularly during dry season 2010/11.This experience suggests need for longer term research trials in order to obtain more reliable data.

27

The impact of the tested GP options against increase GHG emissions and carbon foot printingcould not established as part of the action research approach at field level. Thus no measuredparameters are available. It was confirmed however that the tested GP options did not increase theneed for chemical fertilizer (the production of chemical fertilizer produces high GHG emission), orenergy (no additional pumping of water or transportation needs were induced); other indicators likemethane emission levels, or spoil carbon sequestration could not be measured under the simpleavailable field research design on farmers fields. Further systematization of the research approachalong this criterion is needed with longer term time horizons as well. It is recommended to considerthis criterion as part of adaptive research conducted by the research institutions before releasingnew varieties, including field testing against this criterion under research conditions. Results couldthen be communicated as part of release recommendations. Such approach seem more suitable thattrying to asses carbon footprint with a basic action research design an limited monitoring capacitieson farmers field sites.

5.0 LESSONS LEARNED

The implementation of the good practice options, led to the following lessons learned:

1. It is widely accepted that climate variability has direct and indirect impacts on agriculture andresource-poor farmers are very vulnerable to current and future climate risks. Focusing onthe resource-poor farmers and most vulnerable and marginalized communities is importantbecause of their high dependency on climate-sensitive resources that would enable them toadapt to climate change.

2. Understanding the vulnerability of communities to existing agro-meteorological hazards,while integrating good practice options, help build a solid foundation to work ahead. Theappropriateness of technologies to small and resource-poor farmers can be improved byemploying participatory approach, which involves the farmers to engage experiments in theirown fields so that they can learn, adopt new technologies and spread them to other farmers.

3. The choice of the cooperating farmer is very important in implementing the good practiceoptions. Cooperating farmers must be one regarded by other farmers as approachable, easyto work with and actively involved in the farming community.

4. There is a wide array of good practice options available. In this project (short-duration)where immediate results are required, only two GP options were implemented and thesewere “built on what is already existing”. For long-tern evaluation, GP options that require theneed to change established practices can be implemented.

5. Climate change cannot be dealt with in isolation. For successful implementation of the goodpractice options, there should be proper coordination among government agencies likeDepartment of Agriculture as the lead agency for food security, PAGASA for the climate andclimate-related information, local government units for the dissemination of the technologiesto the farmers, and research institutions and state universities and colleges for technologygeneration

6. Climate information proved to be a major factor in on-farm decision-making. SeasonalWeather Forecast (SCF) allows farmers to make informed decisions on the proper choice ofcrop, cropping schedule, levels of input and use of mitigating measures With criticalproduction decisions founded on climate-related concerns, the provision of properinformation and advisories by PAGASA has the potential of improving over-all farmproductivity.

28

7. Close monitoring of the farming activities and exercising peer pressure have also helped inachieving the targeted outputs in terms of production.

8. Timely procurement of project inputs results to successful implementation of the project.

6.0 CONCLUSIONS

1. The project demonstrated that good practice options have a potentially significant role inmaintaining or increasing farmer’s income under variable and changing climatic conditions.However, relatively unique adaptation options are required to deal with relatively unique setsof physical and socio-economic conditions.

2. Climate and climate-related information were undoubtedly among the major factors to beconsidered by farmers in their crop production activities. With critical production decisionsfounded on climate-related concerns, the provision of proper information and advisories byrelevant institutions like the Department of Agriculture and PAGASA has the potential ofimproving over-all farm productivity.

3. Farmer’s involvement in participatory research is a very useful tool in developing adaptationoptions that will be adopted by a local community because these methods recognize thatknowledge often lies with the farmers in the field, and that local considerations should beintegrated into long-term planning

4. In the implementation of good practice options, technologies that are already known,inexpensive and accessible, require few resources, are easy to maintain and have aminimum negative impact on the environment should be utilized to initiate the process ofadaptation. More demanding practices should be addressed and phased in once farmershave experienced the value added of investing into adaptation practices.

5. The results of the soil sampling undertaken as part of the GP option implementationhighlighted the need for more systematic soil analyses, advice and support to farmers inorder to reduce fertilization imbalances and ensure optimum crop growth conditions. This isa basic precondition for successful adaptation. The result of the soil analysis further showedthat it is not an issue of lack of capital as identified by the farmers but an issue of moreeffective allocation of limited capital (fertilizer) resources. It is recommended for DA RFU 5will address this issue up more systematically.

6. The issuance of three-month seasonal forecast for 2010 and 2011 by PAGASA, theformulation of the Farm Weather Bulletin by the Department of Agriculture RFU V, and theaction of the Agricultural Technicians of the LGUs in communicating the information to thefarmers are key elements that determines the success of the implementation of GP options.In the context of improving food security under changing climatic conditions, strongcollaboration of these three agencies is recommended.

7. Sweet potato and cassava can be grown as an intercrop in coconut plantation and sweetpotato varieties (SP 23 and SP 30) and the Golden yellow variety of cassava are highlysuitable and can be recommended for cultivation.

8. Growing of crops of different growth durations on the same plot or on different plots reducethe risk of complete crop failure since different crops are affected differently by climateevents.

6.0 REFERENCES

29

AVRDC (1990) Vegetable production training manual. Asian Vegetable Research and DevelopmentCenter. Shanhua, Tainan. 447 p. Reprinted 1992.

Baguio, S.S.; Argañosa. A.S. Technology! Artificial Insemination in Pigs. Los Baños, Laguna.PCARRD, Vol. XVI, No. 2, 1994.

Beef Cattle Production Committee. The Philippines recommends for beef cattle production. LosBaños, Laguna: PCARRD, 1994.

Concepcion R.N. 2004. Gateway to land and water information: Philippine national report.

Garrity, Dennis P. Conservation tillage: A Southeast Asian perspective. Paper Presented during theworkshop on Conservation Tillage held in PCARRD, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, 1998.

Gomez, F.P and C.B. prado . 2007. Ecophysiology of coconut palm under water stress. BrazilianJournal of Plant Physiology. Print version ISSN 1677-0420. Retrieved December 8, 2010 fromhttp://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1677-04202007000400008&script=sci_arttext.

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